athan, John, Sarah, Abraham, Thomas, Dorothy. The second, fifth, sixth and last named settled in Steuberi County, N. Y. Thomas lives in Manchester, N. H., Dorothy died in 1842, the others (in 1852) are all living.

Mr. Emerson was a son of Samuel Emerson, of Chester, and half brother to Col. Nathaniel Emerson. The family is traced back to Michael Emerson, who married Hannah Webster and settled in Haverhill, Mass., in 1652. Their daughter married Thomas Duston in 1677, and was no other than the celebrated Mrs. Duston, who killed the Indians. Jonathan, son of Michael, was father of Samuel, who came to Chester. What is here stated in regard to the family in connection with that of Mrs. Duston, was obtained from Rufus E. Patten, Esq. Mr. Emerson died at the age of 84.

EMERSON, NATHANIEL.

A better notice of this once influential citizen cannot be given, than by inserting in this place an obituary, which appeared in the New Hampshire Repository, a religious paper, published at Concord, bearing date May 24th, 1824. The article was written by John Lane, Esq. :

“Died in Candia, April 30, Col. Nathaniel Emerson, aged 83. He was the son of Samuel Emerson, Esq., one of the first settlers in Chester, a man, who through a long life was eminent for usefulness and piety. He

was born May 2, 1741, removed to Candia about the year 1761; was married Nov. 15, 1764, to Miss Sarah Tilton,* a woman who through life was remarkable for piety and all the social and domestic virtues. He has been called to public stations perhaps more than any other individual who ever lived in Candia.

.

He served as an officer in the militia under King George III., from 1763 to 1775, when he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 17th Regiment of New Hampshire militia. He was also appointed by General Whipple, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army in 1778, was a volunteer in the service of his country, in the War of the Revolution, and was in 1777 with the brave Stark at the memorable battle at Bennington; and af ter the Revolution he was Colonel of the 17th Regiment eight or ten years.

He has been no less distinguished in civil than military stations. In 1764, at the first meeting of the town after its incorporation, he was, at the age of 23 years, chosen to some important office, which he held for many succeeding years. In 1762, being chosen by the town for that purpose, he was a member of the Assembly which formed the first Constitution of New Hampshire, and from that time till the year 1798, excepting three or four years, he was the only representative from

*They had ten children: Jonathan, Anna, Samuel, Sarah, Nathaniel, Richard, Elisabeth, Hannah, Lydia and Nabby. Two only of the family are now living; Nathaniel, and Nabby, widow of the late John Lane, Esq.

the town in the State Legislature.

He also held the

commission of a justice of the peace, for the term of twenty-five years. He was a firm supporter of religious order and religious institutions. In September, 1766, when the town voted to erect a meeting house, he was chosen to superintend the work.

He was among the members of the church in Candia, when it was formed, and was a zealous advocate for a settled ministry. He forsook not God's house and public worship so long as he had strength to walk or ride to the place. But his days are not only numbered, but finished; the place that so long and constantly knew him, will know him no more forever. But we would fondly hope that he is gone to be with those who shall be in everlasting remembrance, and although dead, yet speaketh.”

The following letters, found among the papers of Col. Emerson, although not of great importance, may yet be read with interest.

COL. NATHANIEL EMERSON:

Chester, Dec. 24, 1776.

Sir, I must request of you

that you notify the men that are enlisted in Candia to go to New York, that they appear at my house next Saturday, at ten of the clock forenoon, all complete fit to march. Of the men's names that listed, are Paul Eaton, John Clark, Amos Knowles, John Clay, Jun.

Sir, in complying with the above you will oblige, yours, JOHN WEBSTER.

COL. EMERSON:

Exeter, March 22, 1777.

Inclosed are orders for raising men, and as I am not at home, neither can be very soon, I must entreat and require of you, that you take the utmost care and pains, as fast as possible to get men, and that you call upon the other town officers to assist, and also upon the selectmen, if need be, and to inform them that it is the opinion of the court that the shortest notice for a town or parish meeting in this case will be sufficient. In case the people are notified, it may happen there will be no occa sion for meetings.

I think it will be best to get the officers together, as soon as possible, to make a proportion of all the men to be raised with each captain, and I could be glad, that if 'tis agreeable to you, you might meet next Tuesday. As our town meeting is next Thursday, it may be some advantage to our town in raising their proportion. In complying with the above and using your best endeavors, will be very pleasing and greatfully acknowledged by yours,

JOHN WEBSTER, Col.

The "inclosed orders" referred to were written by Josiah Bartlett, from Exeter, in which the most urgent request is made for men.

COL. EMERSON: Sir,

Yesterday received order from Gen, Folsom, a copy of which I have enclosed to you. I hope you will use your best endeavors that your proportion of all the men to be raised in Candia, be procured as soon as possible, and that you call upon all officers and soldiers

under you and also the selectmen of the town to aid and assist you, as you will see by the inclosed orders to me directed, that the importance of the case calls for all possible despatch, and that a list of men raised in Candia be made out to me as soon as may be, in order that I may be able to make a return to the Committee of Safety agreeable to my order from Gen. Folsom.

Sir, I hope you will exert yourself, for sure I am if Ticonderoga should be lost for want of men, we shall be obliged to send twice the number of men that is now called for.

Given under my hand at Chester, this 21st day of April, 1777. JOHN WEBSTER, Col.

Here follows the enclosed letter.

Sir,

I am called upon by the supreme authority of this State to repeat the orders to the colonels or commanding officers of the several Regiments of Militia in this State to raise and forward their several quotas of men to Ticonderoga without loss of time.

By express from Gen. Schuyler, it was expected that the enemy would take the earliest opportunity to cross the lake, as there is no doubt they know perfectly well the small number of troops we have at that important pass. Therefore as you love your country, as you are a friend to the great, the glorious cause, the cause of Liberty in which we are all embarked, I trust you will loose no time in raising and forwarding the men proportioned to your Regiment.

Given under my hand at Exeter, this 16th day of April, 1777. NATH'L FOLSOM, Maj. Gen.